Trump’s Border Czar Attacks Catholic Leaders Over Immigration Policy
UPDATE: In a shocking outburst, President Donald Trump’s Border Czar, Tom Homan, has publicly condemned the leaders of the Catholic Church, asserting that their stance on immigration contradicts the administration’s policies. Homan’s remarks come in response to a recent statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which criticized U.S. immigration practices.
Speaking during a heated interview, Homan declared, “The Catholic Church is wrong,” emphasizing that as a lifelong Catholic, he feels compelled to challenge the Church’s views. This unprecedented confrontation highlights a growing rift between religious leaders and the Trump administration over immigration issues.
On November 12, 2025, the bishops issued a “special message” during their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland, where over 95 percent of American bishops approved the statement opposing mass deportations. They called for an end to “dehumanizing rhetoric and violence” against immigrants and law enforcement alike.
“We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people,” the bishops stated, emphasizing the need for compassion and dialogue.
Homan’s aggressive stance reflects a broader push by the Trump administration to enforce strict immigration laws. He claimed that the administration’s policies are designed to save lives, stating, “Secure borders save lives.” His comments come amid ongoing debates about the humanitarian impact of U.S. immigration policies.
Homan, who has been pivotal in shaping the administration’s immigration deterrence strategy, questioned the message the Church is sending to the world. He asked, “Is that the message we send to the whole world?” implying that leniency towards illegal crossings undermines U.S. laws and safety.
Adding to the tension, Homan has previously clashed with prominent religious figures, including Pope Leo XIV, who urged global leaders to advocate for migrants. In a February statement, Homan criticized the Pope’s calls for compassion, saying, “I wish he’d stick to the Catholic Church and fix that and leave border enforcement to us.”
This clash is particularly noteworthy as it comes at a time when U.S. immigration policies have faced intense scrutiny and legal challenges, including a controversial crackdown that Homan helped implement. Critics argue that these policies exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable populations.
According to Homan, the administration’s approach is necessary to combat human trafficking and fentanyl overdoses in the U.S., linking these issues directly to illegal immigration. “I wish the Catholic Church would understand that,” he lamented, reflecting his deep frustration with the Church’s stance.
The bishops’ statement acknowledges the importance of border security but maintains that “human dignity and national security are not in conflict.” They reiterated their commitment to advocating for meaningful immigration reform that respects the rights of all individuals.
As tensions rise between government officials and religious leaders, observers are left wondering how this will impact the broader immigration debate in America. Homan’s remarks are likely to stir further controversy as the Trump administration continues to push its agenda ahead of the upcoming elections.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on the evolving relationship between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church as they navigate this contentious issue. The implications of Homan’s statements could resonate beyond the immediate fallout, potentially shaping public opinion and policy in the coming months.
